I need to clean and decorate our master bedroom! I plan to do this for my honey, for his Christmas gift. Since I can’t do it without his help, it won’t be a surprise, but he seemed to like the idea.

All relationships are in a constant state of change.

I think that’s one of the scariest parts about loving someone. You love them so much just the way they are – but they aren’t going to stay that way. Some things will never change, but some will never stay the same. We get older. We might gain weight or lose it. Older women might gain some facial hair as they draw near menopause. Older men often lose their hair. We learn new things, develop strong opinions.

If you aren’t careful, you could wake up one morning and realize that you don’t really know your partner anymore!

So as soon as you realize that you are growing a bit further apart, it’s time to do something. Be pro-active, and turn that around. Start spending more time together, doing fun things, dating, talking, sharing – and grow closer together again.

That’s how it is with us. I was busy focusing on my writing career. My husband was promoted to a management position at work. Our relationship took a back seat for a while, until we realized that it had been months since we had spent any quality time together. So, we’ll work on fixing up the master bedroom together – spending time together on a worthwhile project. We’re going to paint the walls, because I’m really tired of the color combination that came with the house when we bought it three years ago. If the colors aren’t clear in the photos – two walls are olive green. The shorter walls are a dark slate gray, and the ceiling is butter yellow. It just doesn’t fit together! I tried to make it work with a soft gray comforter and highlighted the green walls with green jungle artwork and a plant. Now it’s time for a change.

I don’t know what color I’m going to paint it yet. I need to find a new comforter and chose the wall color to compliment that. I need to rearrange the furniture, finish unpacking and toss clutter. I’ll keep you posted as the room takes shape!

What are you doing to strengthen or improve your relationship?

My dog – but she loves to sleep on my husband’s side of the bed!

Moving boxes still take up residence here.

My husband’s hunting gear, and a fireplace we never use.

My pretty little desk, cluttered with mostly DH’s stuff. His suitcase from his last trip. He’s been home over a week.